Diesel exhaust particles increase IL-1β-induced human β-defensin expression via NF-κB-mediated pathway in human lung epithelial cells

Background  

Human β-defensin (hBD)-2, antimicrobial peptide primarily induced in epithelial cells, is a key factor in the innate immune response of the respiratory tract. Several studies showed increased defensin levels in both inflammatory lung diseases, such as cystic fibrosis, diffuse panbronchiolitis, idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and acute respiratory distress syndrome, and infectious diseases. Recently, epidemiologic studies have demonstrated acute and serious adverse effects of particulate air pollution on respiratory health, especially in people with pre-existing inflammatory lung disease. To elucidate the effect of diesel exhaust particles (DEP) on pulmonary innate immune response, we investigated the hBD-2 and interleukin-8 (IL-8) expression to DEP exposure in interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β)-stimulated A549 cells.     

人气管上皮细胞的原代分离及气液界面培养

目的分离人气管上皮细胞,并进行气液界面(air-liquid interface,ALI)培养,为呼吸道病毒研究提供良好的细胞模型。方法采用低温消化法分离人气管上皮细胞,用预包被胶原的0.4μm Transwell培养皿对传代后的气管上皮细胞进行ALI培养。利用倒置显微镜观察细胞生长状态,免疫细胞化学染色和免疫组化鉴定培养细胞的生长和分化情况,同时测定细胞分化过程中的跨上皮电阻(trans epithelial electrical resistance,TEER)。结果分离培养的气管上皮细胞光镜下细胞形态及免疫荧光角蛋白染色阳性,证实培养细胞为气管上皮细胞。ALI培养后的人气管上皮细胞的形态学、MUC5AC蛋白、Ⅳ型β-微管蛋白(β-tubulinⅣ)的表达及紧密连接和假复层的形成情况均与人气管组织结构类似。结论低温消化法可成功分离到活性高的上皮细胞。ALI培养的上皮细胞形态和功能与体内接近,且能较长时间维持其正常形态及功能,为呼吸道相关疾病的研究提供了理想的平台。     

肠道病毒71型和柯萨奇病毒A组16型VP1蛋白在人支气管上皮细胞中对天然免疫相关信号分子的表达及T细胞免疫反应的影响

目的探讨肠道病毒71型(enterovirus 71,EV71)和柯萨奇病毒A组16型(coxsakievirus A 16,CA16)VP1蛋白在人支气管上皮细胞中对天然免疫相关信号分子的表达及T细胞免疫反应的影响。方法经RT-PCR法扩增EV71和CA16的VP1序列,插入至载体pcDNA3. 1(+),构建重组真核表达质粒pcDNA-EV71-VP1和pcDNA-CA16-VP1。分别转染人支气管上皮细胞16HBE,于转染后24、48和72 h收集样本,进行细胞内天然免疫相关信号分子表达的检测和刺激T细胞增殖的检测。结果经双酶切及测序鉴定,重组真核表达质粒pcDNA-EV71-VP1和pcDNA-CA16-VP1构建正确。与阴性对照组比较,EV71-VP1组IFNγ、OX40L、RANKL、TNF-α和IL-2的水平上调,而CA16-VP1组的上调幅度较小。EV71-VP1及CA16-VP1组16HBE细胞的胞内外提取物均可明显刺激分泌IFNγ的T细胞增殖(P 0. 05)。结论 EV71和CA16 VP1蛋白在人上皮细胞16HBE中表达后,可差异性诱导细胞中天然免疫信号分子表达及相似的非特异性刺激T细胞增殖能力。     

Cytokine expression in mice exposed to diesel exhaust particles by inhalation. Role of tumor necrosis factor

Background  

Particulate air pollution has been associated with lung and cardiovascular disease, for which lung inflammation may be a driving mechanism. The pro-inflammatory cytokine, tumor necrosis factor (TNF) has been suggested to have a key-role in particle-induced inflammation.     

Implication of scavenger receptors in the interactions between diesel exhaust particles and immature or mature dendritic cells

Background  

The exposure to pollutants such as diesel exhaust particles (DEP) is associated with an increased incidence of respiratory diseases. However, the mechanisms by which DEP have an effect on human health are not completely understood. In addition to their action on macrophages and airway epithelial cells, DEP also modulate the functions of dendritic cells (DC). These professional antigen-presenting cells are able to discriminate unmodified self from non-self thanks to pattern recognition receptors such as the Toll like Receptors (TLR) and Scavenger Receptors (SR). SR were originally identified by their ability to bind and internalize modified lipoproteins and microorganisms but also particles and TLR agonists. In this study, we assessed the implication of SR in the effects of DEP associated or not with TLR agonists on monocyte-derived DC (MDDC). For this, we studied the regulation of CD36, CXCL16, LOX-1, SR-A1 and SR-B1 expression on MDDC treated with DEP associated or not with TLR2, 3 and 4 ligands. Then, the capacity of SR ligands (dextran sulfate and maleylated-ovalbumin) to block the effects of DEP on the function of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-activated DC has been evaluated.     

Implication of scavenger receptors in the interactions between diesel exhaust particles and immature or mature dendritic cells

Background

Engineered iron nanoparticles are being explored for the development of biomedical applications and many other industry purposes. However, to date little is known concerning the precise mechanisms of translocation of iron nanoparticles into targeted tissues and organs from blood circulation, as well as the underlying implications of potential harmful health effects in human.

Results

The confocal microscopy imaging analysis demonstrates that exposure to engineered iron nanoparticles induces an increase in cell permeability in human microvascular endothelial cells. Our studies further reveal iron nanoparticles enhance the permeability through the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the stabilization of microtubules. We also showed Akt/GSK-3β signaling pathways are involved in iron nanoparticle-induced cell permeability. The inhibition of ROS demonstrate ROS play a major role in regulating Akt/GSK-3β – mediated cell permeability upon iron nanoparticle exposure. These results provide new insights into the bioreactivity of engineered iron nanoparticles which can inform potential applications in medical imaging or drug delivery.

Conclusion

Our results indicate that exposure to iron nanoparticles induces an increase in endothelial cell permeability through ROS oxidative stress-modulated microtubule remodeling. The findings from this study provide new understandings on the effects of nanoparticles on vascular transport of macromolecules and drugs.     

Both common and specialty mushrooms inhibit adhesion molecule expression and in vitro binding of monocytes to human aortic endothelial cells in a pro-inflammatory environment

Background  

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a leading cause of mortality in the United States as well as globally. Epidemiological studies show that regular fruit and vegetable consumption reduces CVD risk, in part, due to antioxidant activity and immunomodulation since oxidative stress and inflammation are features of atherogenesis. Accumulating evidence also shows that dietary fungi, viz., mushrooms, can protect against chronic disease by altering inflammatory environments such as those associated with CVD although most research has focused on specialty mushrooms. In this study, we tested the ability of both common and specialty mushrooms to inhibit cellular processes associated with CVD.     

Differences in gene expression and cytokine production by crystalline vs. amorphous silica in human lung epithelial cells

Background

Exposure to respirable crystalline silica particles, as opposed to amorphous silica, is associated with lung inflammation, pulmonary fibrosis (silicosis), and potentially with lung cancer. We used Affymetrix/GeneSifter microarray analysis to determine whether gene expression profiles differed in a human bronchial epithelial cell line (BEAS 2B) exposed to cristobalite vs. amorphous silica particles at non-toxic and equal surface areas (75 and 150 × 10⁶μm²/cm²). Bio-Plex analysis was also used to determine profiles of secreted cytokines and chemokines in response to both particles. Finally, primary human bronchial epithelial cells (NHBE) were used to comparatively assess silica particle-induced alterations in gene expression.

Results

Microarray analysis at 24 hours in BEAS 2B revealed 333 and 631 significant alterations in gene expression induced by cristobalite at low (75) and high (150 × 10⁶μm²/cm²) amounts, respectively (p < 0.05/cut off ≥ 2.0-fold change). Exposure to amorphous silica micro-particles at high amounts (150 × 10⁶μm²/cm²) induced 108 significant gene changes. Bio-Plex analysis of 27 human cytokines and chemokines revealed 9 secreted mediators (p < 0.05) induced by crystalline silica, but none were induced by amorphous silica. QRT-PCR revealed that cristobalite selectively up-regulated stress-related genes and cytokines (FOS, ATF3, IL6 and IL8) early and over time (2, 4, 8, and 24 h). Patterns of gene expression in NHBE cells were similar overall to BEAS 2B cells. At 75 × 10⁶μm²/cm², there were 339 significant alterations in gene expression induced by cristobalite and 42 by amorphous silica. Comparison of genes in response to cristobalite (75 × 10⁶μm²/cm²) revealed 60 common, significant gene alterations in NHBE and BEAS 2B cells.

Conclusions

Cristobalite silica, as compared to synthetic amorphous silica particles at equal surface area concentrations, had comparable effects on the viability of human bronchial epithelial cells. However, effects on gene expression, as well as secretion of cytokines and chemokines, drastically differed, as the crystalline silica induced more intense responses. Our studies indicate that toxicological testing of particulates by surveying viability and/or metabolic activity is insufficient to predict their pathogenicity. Moreover, they show that acute responses of the lung epithelium, including up-regulation of genes linked to inflammation, oxidative stress, and proliferation, as well as secretion of inflammatory and proliferative mediators, can be indicative of pathologic potential using either immortalized lines (BEAS 2B) or primary cells (NHBE). Assessment of the degree and magnitude of these responses in vitro are suggested as predictive in determining the pathogenicity of potentially harmful particulates.     

腺病毒介导的slit2 shRNA对缺氧诱导的人视网膜色素上皮细胞中血管内皮生长因子表达的影响

目的观察腺病毒介导的slit2 shRNA对缺氧诱导的人视网膜色素上皮细胞(retinal pigment epithelial cells,RPE)中血管内皮生长因子(vascular endothelial growth factor,VEGF)表达的影响,探讨slit2在脉络膜新生血管(chorodal neovascularation,CNV)中的可能作用,为CNV的治疗提供新的思路。方法分别采用RT-PCR和免疫组化法检测人视网膜色素上皮-19(ARPE-19)细胞中slit2及受体Robo1基因mRNA的转录和蛋白的表达;用200μmol/L氯化钴处理人ARPE-19细胞,建立化学缺氧模型,以未缺氧组作为对照,采用Real-time PCR和Western blot法检测在缺氧状态下细胞中slit2、Robo1、VEGF基因mRNA及蛋白水平表达的变化;将缺氧的人ARPE-19细胞随机分为shRNA处理组(加入Ad-slit2-shRNA)、空腺病毒组(加入空腺病毒)和缺氧组,24 h后收集各组细胞,Real-time PCR和Western blot法检测slit2 shRNA干扰后细胞中slit2、Robo1、VEGF基因mRNA和蛋白水平表达的变化,ELISA法检测细胞培养上清中VEGF蛋白水平的变化。结果在正常人ARPE-19细胞中有slit2和Robo1基因mRNA的转录及蛋白的表达;缺氧组人ARPE-19细胞中slit2、Robo1、VEGF基因mRNA和蛋白的表达水平均较未缺氧组明显升高(P0.05);与缺氧组相比,slit2-shRNA处理组人ARPE-19细胞中slit2、Robo1、VEGF基因mRNA和蛋白的表达水平均明显降低(P0.05),缺氧组与空腺病毒组slit2、Robo1、VEGF的变化差异无统计学意义(P0.05)。结论 slit2 shRNA沉默RPE细胞中的slit2后,可明显抑制缺氧诱导的RPE细胞中VEGF的表达,为临床CNV的治疗提供了新的思路。     

Regulation of cholesterol synthesis in isolated epithelial cells of human small intestine

We have investigated the regulation of cholesterol synthesis in isolated human small intestine epithelial cells (enterocytes). It was established that the amount of cholesterol synthesized increased linearly with the incubation time and the number of cells in the incubation mixture; the synthesis was suppressed by 7-ketocholesterol. Cholic, dehydrocholic, chenodeoxycholic, glycocholic, taurocholic, taurochenodeoxycholic and taurodeoxycholic acids inhibited cholesterol synthesis in enterocytes to different degrees in a dose-dependent manner. Lithocholic acid enhanced the rate of cholesterol synthesis. Deoxycholic acid, methyl ester of cholic acid and cholesterol did not affect the process. No bile acids tested, with the exception of taurodeoxycholic acid, affected fatty acid synthesis in enterocytes. Most bile acids also decreased cholesterol synthesis in cultured human skin fibroblasts. The results obtained make it possible to postulate that cholesterol synthesis in human enterocytes may be subject to a complex regulation by bile acids.     

Suppressive effects of alloxanthin and diatoxanthin from Halocynthia roretzi on LPS-induced expression of pro-inflammatory genes in RAW264.7 cells

To investigate anti-inflammatory effects of carotenoids from Halocynthia roretzi, gene expression levels were measured for pro-inflammatory cytokines and enzymes in the murine macrophage-like cell line, RAW264.7, stimulated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS). All-trans alloxanthin, all-trans diatoxanthin, and their 9-cis isomers isolated from H. roretzi significantly suppressed expression of IL-1beta and IL-6 mRNA in cells induced by LPS without cytotoxicity. The expression level of IL-1beta mRNA in cells treated with 25 microM all-trans alloxanthin for 24 h, followed by stimulation with 0.1 microg/mL LPS for 24 h in the presence of carotenoid decreased to 33.7+/-3.0% from that of control cells stimulated with LPS alone. All-trans diatoxanthin, 9-cis alloxanthin and 9-cis diatoxanthin also decreased expression of IL-1beta mRNA to 25.1+/-2.1, 28.2+/-0.9 and 32.9+/-3.3%, respectively, from that of control cells stimulated with LPS. IL-1beta production in culture medium was also suppressed by all-trans alloxanthin and all-trans diatoxanthin. Furthermore, all-trans alloxanthin, all-trans diatoxanthin and their 9-cis isomers suppressed the over-expression of cyclooxygenase-2 and nitric oxide synthase mRNA in RAW264.7 cells induced by LPS. The suppressive effects of these carotenoids were remarkable compared to those of beta-carotene and zeaxanthin.     

人肝细胞生长因子基因真核表达质粒的构建及其在人骨髓间充质干细胞中的表达

目的构建人肝细胞生长因子(Human hepatocyte growth factor,hHGF)真核表达质粒,并检测其在人骨髓间充质干细胞(Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells,BMSCs)中的表达及其对细胞生长的影响。方法采用密度梯度法从人骨髓中分离BMSCs,流式细胞术检测细胞表型,成脂及成骨诱导其分化。PCR扩增hHGF基因,定向克隆至pEGFP-N1载体中,构建重组表达质粒pEGFP-N1-hHGF,通过电穿孔法转染BMSCs,荧光显微镜下观察增强型绿色荧光蛋白的表达,RT-PCR及Western blot法检测hHGF基因mRNA的转录及蛋白的表达,MTT法检测hHGF对BMSCs增殖活力的影响。结果 BMSCs高表达CD29和CD44,不表达CD34和CD45;BMSCs在体外有向成脂及成骨细胞诱导分化的能力。酶切及基因测序证实,重组表达质粒pEGFP-N1-hHGF构建正确;转染后48 h观察到转染细胞中有绿色荧光蛋白表达;RT-PCR法和Western blot检测到hHGF基因在BMSCs中表达;转染hHGF基因的BMSCs增殖活力明显高于空白对照组和空载体转染组(P<0.05)。结论成功构建了hHGF基因真核表达质粒,转染人BMSCs后获得表达,表达的hHGF可促进BMSCs增殖。     

Platelet-activating factor stimulates expression of IL-1 beta mRNA in THP-1 cells

A human monocytic cell line (THP-1) was used to study the effects of PAF (platelet-activating factor) on the expression of IL-1 beta mRNA. THP-1 cells were incubated with 10 pM PAF in the presence or absence of 0.1 μg/mL endotoxin for 4 hr, after which cytoplasmic RNA was extracted and subjected to Northern hybridizations. PAF, alone and in combination with endotoxin, caused an increase in mRNA levels for IL-1 beta. The magnitude of the effects of PAF on IL-1 beta mRNA levels matched closely the effects seen at the level of protein synthesis, suggesting that the effects of PAF on IL-1 beta release may result largely from its effects on IL-1 beta mRNA levels.     

阿昔莫司对RAW 264.7细胞三磷酸腺苷结合盒转运子A1表达及其调控的影响

目的研究阿昔莫司对巨噬细胞RAW264.7三磷酸腺苷结合盒转运子A1(ATP binding cassette transporterA1,ABCA1)及其上游调控因子肝脏X受体α(Liver X receptor,LXRα)的影响,探讨其促进胆固醇逆转运(Reversecholesterol transport,RCT)、抗动脉粥样硬化(Atherosclerosis,AS)的可能机制。方法体外培养RAW264.7细胞,将细胞分为空白对照组(不含阿昔莫司)和不同浓度的阿昔莫司干预组(分别含5、10、25μg/ml阿昔莫司),作用24 h后,采用RT-PCR法检测各组细胞中ABCA1和LXRα基因mRNA的转录水平;Western blot法检测各组细胞中ABCA1和LXRα蛋白的表达;闪烁计数法检测各组细胞内胆固醇的流出。结果阿昔莫司呈浓度依赖性地增加RAW264.7细胞中ABCA1和LXRα基因mRNA的转录水平和蛋白的表达水平(P<0.05或P<0.01)及细胞内胆固醇的流出率(P<0.01)。结论阿昔莫司可通过LXRα途径上调巨噬细胞ABCA1的表达,促使细胞内胆固醇流出,从而延缓AS的发生发展。     

人C-反应蛋白重组真核表达质粒的构建及其对人脐静脉内皮细胞LOX-1和TF表达的影响

目的构建人C-反应蛋白(C-reactive protein,CRP)重组表达质粒pTracer CMV2-CRP,并观察其在人脐静脉内皮细胞(Human umbilical vein endothelical cells,HUVEC)中的表达及其对凝集素样氧化型低密度脂蛋白受体-1(Lectin-type oxidizedLDL receptor-1,LOX-1)、组织因子(Tissue factor,TF)表达的影响。方法以质粒pCR-BluntⅡ-TOPO-CRP为模板,PCR扩增CRP基因CDS序列,克隆至pTracer CMV2载体中,转化感受态大肠杆菌DH5α,构建重组表达质粒pTracer CMV2-CRP,转染HUVEC,设实验组(转染pTracer CMV2-CRP)、阴性对照组(转染pTracer-CMV2)及正常对照组,各组细胞经G418抗性筛选,RT-PCR及Western b1ot检测CRP基因的过表达效应及CRP的表达对HUVEC中LOX-1和TF转录及蛋白水平的影响。结果重组真核表达质粒pTracer CMV2-CRP经双酶切鉴定及测序证明构建正确。实验组细胞中,CRP基因过表达,且LOX-1和TF基因的转录及蛋白水平明显高于正常对照组和阴性对照组(P<0.05)。结论已成功构建人CRP基因重组真核表达质粒pTracerCMV2-CRP,并在HUVEC中过表达CRP,且明显上调HUVEC中LOX-1和TF的表达,为进一步阐述CRP在动脉粥样硬化形成过程中的作用提供了新的实验依据。     

细胞因子信号抑制因子1基因真核高表达质粒的构建及其在NOK细胞中的表达

目的构建细胞因子信号抑制因子1(suppressors of cytokine signaling 1,SOCS1)基因真核高表达质粒,并在口腔上皮细胞系NOK细胞中进行表达。方法提取健康人外周静脉血基因组DNA,PCR扩增SOCS1基因,与p EGFPN1载体连接,构建重组真核表达质粒p EGFP-N1-SOCS1,用Eco RⅠ和Bam HⅠ双酶切鉴定及测序后,转染NOK细胞,采用荧光显微镜及Western blot法检测转染细胞中SOCS1蛋白的表达。结果重组真核表达质粒p EGFP-N1-SOCS1经双酶切及测序鉴定证实构建正确。p EGFP-N1-SOCS1转染NOK细胞72 h后获得表达,SOCS1蛋白的表达量为(134.67±9.07)%,较转染空质粒组约升高4倍,二者差异有统计学意义(P=0.001)。结论成功构建了SOCS1基因真核高表达质粒,为进一步研究SOCS1的生物学功能奠定了基础。     

miRNA-155对人乳腺癌MCF-7细胞TP53INP1表达及其增殖的影响

目的探讨miRNA-155对人乳腺癌MCF-7细胞TP53INP1表达及其增殖的影响。方法采用LipofectamineTM2000将miRNA-155 mimics(或带荧光无关序列阴性对照FAM-NC)转染雌激素受体(Estrogen receptor,ER)阳性人乳腺癌MCF-7细胞,并设空白对照组;RT-PCR法检测转染后miRNA-155的表达水平;CCK-8法检测miRNA-155对MCF-7细胞增殖能力的影响;流式细胞术检测MCF-7细胞的凋亡率和增殖周期;Western blot法检测TP53INP1、Caspase-3及p21蛋白的表达水平。结果与空白对照组和阴性对照组相比,转染组miRNA-155的表达量明显增高;随着时间的延长,MCF-7细胞增殖活力逐渐增加;G1期细胞明显减少,S和G2期细胞增多,凋亡率明显降低;TP53INP1、Caspase-3激活型及p21蛋白的表达水平均明显降低。结论 miRNA-155能够抑制人乳腺癌MCF-7细胞TP53INP1蛋白的表达,进而抑制肿瘤细胞凋亡、促进细胞增殖,在乳腺癌发生发展中具有重要作用。     

白细胞介素-7基因慢病毒表达载体的构建及在CHO-K1细胞中的稳定表达

目的构建白细胞介素-7(interleukin-7,IL-7)基因慢病毒表达载体,并在CHO-K1细胞中稳定表达,为生产试剂级的IL-7奠定基础。方法参照Gen Bank中公布的人IL-7基因核苷酸序列(J04156.1),人工合成该条基因,亚克隆至表达载体pLV-CMV-EF1-GP上,构建重组慢病毒表达质粒pLV-CMV-EF1-GP-r IL-7,在HEK293T细胞中进行病毒包装,检测病毒滴度后,收获细胞毒液,感染CHO-K1细胞,经嘌呤霉素筛选,获得稳定表达IL-7的CHO-K1-r IL-7细胞。荧光显微镜观察感染细胞绿色荧光蛋白的表达;RT-PCR法检测IL-7基因m RNA的转录;ELISA法检测IL-7的含量;Western blot法检测IL-7的表达。结果重组慢病毒表达质粒pLV-CMV-EF1-GP-r IL-7经双酶切及测序结果证明构建正确。慢病毒的滴度为3×10~8 TU/ml。慢病毒感染CHO-K1细胞24、48和72 h后,均可见特异性绿色荧光蛋白表达,且随着培养时间的延长,荧光强度明显增强;CHO-K1-r IL-7细胞可扩增出约540 bp的IL-7基因片段;经ELISA检测,样品中IL-7含量为0.6 ng/ml;表达产物主要存在于CHO-K1-r IL-7细胞上清中,且具有良好的反应原性。结论成功构建了IL-7基因慢病毒重组表达质粒,并实现了IL-7在CHO-K1细胞上的稳定表达。     

重组人骨形态发生蛋白7成熟蛋白在悬浮CHO-S细胞中的稳定表达

目的在悬浮CHO-S细胞中稳定表达重组人骨形态发生蛋白7(recombinant human bone morphgenetic protein7,rhBMP7)成熟蛋白。方法应用RT-PCR技术从BALB/c乳鼠股骨组织扩增mbmp7基因,克隆至质粒pMD18-T,通过定点突变3个氨基酸编码序列(G266S、S287N、D359E),得到重组克隆质粒pMD18-mbmp7_m3;将mbmp7_m3克隆至表达载体pCHO1. 0,构建重组表达质粒pCHO-mbmp7_m3,转染CHO-S细胞,利用嘌呤霉素和甲氨蝶呤进行两轮加压筛选,有限稀释法筛选单克隆细胞,ELISA法检测rhBMP7成熟蛋白的表达。结果从乳鼠股骨组织扩增的cDNA经测序与GenBank中登录的序列完全一致,点突变后测序与设计完全一致。获得了稳定表达rhBMP7成熟蛋白的单克隆细胞株,最高表达量为202 ng/mL。结论成功利用改造的mbmp7基因在CHO-S细胞中表达了rhBMP7成熟蛋白,为后续该制品工艺开发及产业化奠定了基础。